Fashion Program

Sandar

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What is “Sandar”? Sandar is the Hindu word for beautiful; it was also the name of my scene in the 34th annual fashion show at GCC, Fata Morgana. My vision was that everyone comes from different backgrounds and we all have our own beauty. I chose a Hindu word because it links to me personally, as I was born in India. As you can see, this year I was lucky enough to have fourteen beautiful brides. I was originally generously given 17 dresses from Mary Ann Carr, owner of M.A Carr Bridal in Orchard Park.

Last year I was lucky enough to work with another student on the bridal scene. I thought that producing a scene on my own this year was going to be easy but, I was wrong. This year I originally had 24 models. Due to last minute complications with models I ended up with 14 girls and 5 guys. I was able to have a successful scene with the help of my intern, Maggie Gabalski.

I worked on choreography with the help of my paired couple models, who came up with cute poses to do with each other. I was never able get everything completely perfect due to models not showing up. My first rehearsal 9 out of my 24 models showed up. My second rehearsal I had 15 out of my 24 models there. I had friends step in for help as well as models walking a couple times. I also never had my models walk with their dresses on until Friday evening; even then we didn’t have everyone there. Thankfully my models that didn’t show up to all the rehearsals were able to learn the timing and walk on Friday’s rehearsals. I had to repeatedly extend my song to the point that it was almost a 6 minute scene.

The day of the show went a lot smoother than I expected. I started my day at 7 AM making my way to Dunkin Donuts to pick up two dozen bagels for my models. I had everyone but the guys show up at 8 AM for hair and makeup. Everyone looked like they were sleep-walking, models wore their hair in buns and were clad in sweatpants. Eventually everyone was in hair and makeup. Some models didn’t like their look, but no matter what they were going to match my vision whether they liked it or not. After lunch everyone was in a better mood.

By the time the three o’clock show started nerves were coming, not just for me, but everyone. We started the show a little later than we expected. I had my models and intern go backstage when we were called to go down while I waited for my other models from other scenes to come to our room to quickly get dressed. These three girls were literally run-away brides, running from the stage to the third floor back to the stage. We waited patiently for our scene to hit the runway. We finally were up. Everyone was still nervous and all I could say was “smile”. From the moment my first two models walked the stage I knew it was going to be an amazing scene. At the end of the scene I had my models walk out and then I followed. I remember last year I had a mini panic attack walking the stage but this year was so much easier. I remember seeing people I knew and waving at them from on stage.

After the three o’clock show I knew that the seven o’clock show would be just as great. I was right, this time I felt the show was even better. My models where a lot more relaxed, even though some of them didn’t do the most important thing, smile. I couldn’t be more proud of my models and myself. It was a long process but seeing my models on stage and having people congratulate me made it all worth it. “Sandar” could not have happened without M.A Carr Bridal, Jill Monroe, Charles Men’s shop, Mary Kay, my hair stylists, my intern, my models, and this school’s amazing fashion program.Untitled

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Lekha Anderson.

Dreams, Designs, and Dress Forms

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As in previous years, PGM, the leading dress form manufacturer in the United States, has once again committed to supporting the growth of the aspiring fashion designers who attend Genesee Community College. PGM has made the generous donation of three dress forms to three design students with very promising futures. The winners of the dress forms are as follows: Ryan Welker, Amber Coan, and Cathy Morales.

All of the dress form winners are fashion design students who plan to continue pursuing their love for all things design at four year institutions in the fall. One of the winners in particular, Ryan Welker, plans to put his dress form to use while studying at Buffalo State College. When reached for comment, Ryan expressed nothing but gratitude for winning such an amazing prize, “I am really glad I won! I plan to further my sewing knowledge, and create beautiful garments with this dress form.”

Fashion Design students Ryan, Amber, and Cathy with their PGM dress forms.

Fashion Design students Ryan, Amber, and Cathy with their PGM dress forms.

Congratulations Ryan, Amber, and Cathy! We are all anxious to see the designs you create in the near future.

On behalf of the Fashion Programs at GCC we would like to extend thanks to PGM Dress Forms for the donations of these three dress forms to the fashion design students at GCC, as well as for the donation of additional dress forms to the program itself.

-Ami Cornell

Fata Morgana: Where Creativities Meet

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As we finished the 34th annual Fata Morgana fashion show, all of the fashion students felt triumphant and relaxed. We shared various emotions, such as fear, anxiousness, excitement, nervousness, and accomplishment. These particular feelings are felt only by students who strived hard to prepare for the fashion show. It will be an absolutely unforgettable memory for all of us.

Fashion Merchandising student Kana Tatsumi modeling jewelry she made herself, and a dress by Fashion Design Student Abby Wilcox

Fashion Merchandising student Kana Tatsumi modeling jewelry she made herself, and a gown by Fashion Design Student Abby Wilcox.

In GCC’s 33rd annual fashion show, Ethereal, I was a model for Abby Wilcox. It was quite a good experience, but I only saw the surface of the fashion show. I did not know how hard showcasing a fashion show was. This year, I had the opportunity to work with Abby again as a jewelry designer and model. It was the first time I made suitable jewelry for luxury dresses. I struggled considering both the concept of the scene, Oasis, and the theme, Fata Morgana. The dresses of Oasis are classic and elegant in style, and the theme of Fata Morgana is inspired by exotic styles. This is why I was mostly inspired by ancient Egypt for my jewelry, and I mainly used interlinking chains. Using bunches of gold chains made my jewelry look luxurious and glamorous. The powerful success I have made for this show is the chemistry of exotic jewelry and classic dresses. I also considered the models’ appearance, height, the color of their hair, skin color, and eye color in order to make them look more stunning with my jewelry. I believe the twenty-one pieces of jewelry added a fascinating accent to the scene.

By participating as a jewelry designer and model, I gained technical skills both as a creator and a performer. Both experiences were priceless and allowed me to understand different perspectives. I am sure this opportunity will lead me onto a good career path as a jewelry designer. As a model, I think models’ posing, posture, and facial expressions can be a huge accent on a runway. Before the show started, I was thrilled with how beautiful all of the models were with classic dresses by talented designer Abby Wilcox, creative hair styles by David Gerard, amazing make-up by Amanda Marsala, and jewelry by myself. The fabulous work was finally created when all of the creativities met as one. I was so happy to work with many talented people. I really appreciated this opportunity and support I received from many people, because of this I was able to successfully complete the biggest project of my life thus far.
I am selling my jewelry on Etsy, and you can check out my jewelry brand, Jenny Minette, on Facebook via this link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenny-Minette/1432798540278417

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This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Kana Tatsumi.

A Show Not To Be Missed

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Fata Morgana is just hours away! Final preparations and decorations are being made for GCC’s biggest event of the year. The stage is set, and decorations have begun to go up in the forum. Set up has also begun in the cafeteria for the reception that will immediately follow each show.

As well as refreshments at the reception, there will also be many vendors selling various items. This year, there are more vendors than ever before. Vendors selling jewelry, make up, and various gifts will all be a part of Fata Morgana. In addition, there are opportunities for guests to participate in activities. Perhaps the most exciting, and most fitting activity with the theme will be tarot card reading. This will be done by New Age Circle Club.

GCC will have two shows on April 25th. There will be an afternoon show at 3:00, and an evening show at 7:00. Friends, family and members of the community are all encouraged to attend. This is one show you do not want to miss!

This blog was contributed by GCC student Emily Pelton.

An Idea Becomes A Reality

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Recently, the sophomore fashion students at GCC decided that they should create a t-shirt that would serve as an illustrative way of interpreting the Fata Morgana fashion show, not only for themselves but for the Tourism & Hospitality students as well. The problems faced with creating a garment that is innovative, stylish, communicative, versatile, and unisex are really quite visible; initially,no one could agree upon an idea. A plethora of designs were pitched, yet no one unanimously agreed upon a design that they would be proud to wear around the halls of GCC.

Fashion Design student Jocelyn Eade pictured with her fabulous t-shirt design and Fashion Merchandising student Lekha Anderson.

Fashion Design student Jocelyn Eade pictured with her fabulous t-shirt design and Fashion Merchandising student Lekha Anderson.

Enter Jocelyn Eade, a talented sophomore design student. With two simple sketches, Jocelyn managed to provide a design that was everything that the fashion students were looking for. The shirts just arrived yesterday, and it was clear that everyone was overjoyed with the final result.

Special thanks to Brian Kemp at T-Shirts Etc for turning one student’s idea into a fantastic shirt, as well as to Jocelyn Eade for lending her expertise in design to such a challenge!

-Ami Cornell

Keeping It Cohesive

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Genesee Community College’s 34th annual fashion show Fata Morgana is now only one short day away. The fashion and hospitality students have been working tirelessly to make this years fashion show a fantastic success. This year’s theme is Fata Morgana. A Fata Morgana is defined as a rapidly changing and complex form of superior mirage/optical phenomenon that is seen in the narrow band right above the horizon.

giphyThe merchandising and design students have created a very detail oriented fashion show presenting very relevant and enticing merchandise. The scenes featured in this years fashion show is as follows:

  1. Battlefield- Designed and Coordinated by Amber Coan
  2. Among the Wildflowers- Coordinated by Taylor Bunch & Katie Strong with apparel by Lord & Taylor and Gymboree
  3. Transcendence- Coordinated by Angelique Porey & Sara Elliott with apparel by Porey
  4. Inevitable- Coordinated by DJ Simmons with apparel by LovelyWholesale
  5. Bare- Coordinated by Jocelyn Eade & Eunice Goeun Park with apparel by Eade
  6. Bri-Jhn- Coordinated by Brittany Breedlove with apparel by B.B.
  7. Minuit Désert By T. LaShaé- Coordinated by Tiffany Hill & Chiho Nakayama with apparel by T. LaShaé and jewelry by Na’kaylas Jewelry Box
  8. Festival Haze- Coordinated by Ami Cornell & Kylie Dunn with apparel by Buffalo David Bitton and Lord & Taylor
  9. Oasis- Coordinated and Designed by Abby Lee Wilcox with jewelry by Kana Tatsumi
  10. Opulence- Coordinated and Designed by Catherine Morales
  11. Veni Vidi Vici- Coordinated by Ariana Sneed with apparel by Candace Cooper
  12. Sandar- Coordinated by Lekha Anderson with apparel by Charles Men’s Shop and M.A. Carr Bridal

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The Tourism and Hospitality Management students took the theme Fata Morgana and ran with it. Transforming the cafeteria into a superior mirage, they have worked many hours making the reception immaculate, with a menu and decorations that you would have to see to believe. In addition there will be coffee donated from Tim Horton’s along with a large assortment of food spreads including veggie dips, cheese and crackers, hummus and so much more. After the show you can also stop over and enter to win a door prize, or even purchase something that you just saw on the runway moments ago!

Fata Morgana is sure to be an unforgettable experience so get your tickets now!

Tickets for western New York’s largest and longest running fashion show are being sold Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the forum at the Batavia campus or by calling (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616.

Tickets for western New York’s largest and longest running fashion show are being sold Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the forum at the Batavia campus or by calling (585) 343-0055 ext. 6616.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Ariana Sneed.

Committee Chaos

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288830c6-3ded-4d0d-86ea-8ed79c50d820 2Well, with the date of the fashion show almost upon us, everyone is currently working their hearts out sewing, coordinating choreography, and wrangling their models together. But what about the committees? There are five committees responsible for producing the 34th annual fashion show at GCC, they include: Public Relations, Front of The House, Back of The House, Planning, and Finance.

The Public Relations committee is a crucial part of Fata Morgana, and is also the committee I am a part of. The Public Relations committee is responsible for producing all of the tweets, hashtags, posters, tickets, and the flyers for the model tryouts in the beginning of the semester. The P.R. committee also promotes the show in order to ensure record attendance and awareness. A lot of work goes into working on the P.R. committee from coordinating everyone so that we can get the program together and sent to the printer on time, to completing radio interviews.

The Front of the House committee is in charge of all of the decorations, they made the middle-eastern inspired archway for the runway, hand-painted the decorations on the sides of the runway, and finalized the runway layout.

The Back of the House committee is in charge of all of the models, specifically they must make sure that models don’t have any gum in their mouths, assigning dressing rooms, getting photographers signed and contracted, making sure everyone is quiet backstage when it’s show time. In addition to all of these responsibilities, the Back of the House committee also has the very important job of telling each scene when its time for their cue.

The Planning committee is one of the most important committees in the show, they take care of picking the scenes, music selections, they make sure things run as smooth as possible, and they hold people accountable. Everyone has their own part to play in the production of Fata Morgana.

Each scene makes the show come together and without the help that we provide one another this show would be impossible to produce. Sometimes we may not agree on things, but in the end we all want to produce the best fashion show in the history of GCC, and in Western New York, and that is what we hope to provide this Saturday!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Design Student Ryan Welker.

Create Your Success

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With only four days left until the 34th annual fashion show Fata Morgana here at GCC I know that everyone, including myself, is stressing to get last minute details in order to ensure the shows success!

This year Katie Strong and I are producing the children’s scene in the fashion show, our scene is entitled Among the Wildflowers. Our theme is very bohemian and natural in order to fit in with the theme of the entire show; we decided to make our little models look more like flower children by having them wear beautiful flower crowns.

Since “DIY” or do it yourself crafts are turning up everywhere you turn we decided to make the flower crowns ourselves! With a few materials and six easy steps we were able to create our vision of amazing flower crowns for the children to wear.

I know that everyone involved in the show including Katie and I have visions of what they wish to see walking down the runway. Sometimes all it takes are the right accessories to make everything come together just as you envisioned. It is not only the merchandise but also the details that make the show jaw- dropping and unforgettable! I know that in only four days everyone’s hard work will pay off and the audience will be amazed!

This blog was contributed by Fashion Merchandising Student Taylor Bunch.

It’s Crunch Time!

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There’s only a few days left until Fata Morgana, but no one can relax just yet. Designers are pulling all-nighters putting the last touches on their garments, models are practicing their walks and poses in sky high heels until their feet are sore, and scene coordinators are perfecting hairstyles and makeup looks for each model with their hair and makeup artists.

All of the different committees have been running around trying to perfect everything last-minute, too. On top of all of this, we are all taking at least four other classes that demand a large amount of time themselves. Since we are nearing the end of the semester, we all have final projects and papers to write for other professors. It’s not just crunch time for getting everything for the show done; we are also rushing to get other work for other classes done!

One way I handle all the course work that is given, is by doing all of the work ahead of time. I take six classes and for all of them I have my assignments done ahead of time. Doing this really helps me because I know I will be prepared for my classes and with all of that work done I can focus on other projects, like Fata Morgana. There have been times where I did not want to do any of my homework, but then I remembered all the times when I didn’t do my work and was even more stressed out as a result.

All of your responsibilities catch up with you fast once it’s the end of the semester, but it’s important to remember not to give up. Putting off responsibilities or haphazardly finishing them will set the tone for the rest of your college career, and your career once outside of college. As Lailah Gifty Akita said, “You are the only person that can create the future you want.”

This blog was contributed by Fashion Student Paige Henderson.

My Role Within Fata Morgana

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As many of you may know, there are only seventeen more days until the fashion show that everyone has been working so hard to produce. Designers have been finishing their last garments, and merchandisers as well as designers are busy with rehearsals and finalizing their scenes in order to ensure success. The hospitality students are busy working on the Fata Morgana reception, hand making all of the decorations, and making it look like you have stepped into a middle eastern marketplace.

But where did my interest in fashion begin? It all started back when I was a kid. I loved seeing the Oscars’ Red Carpet and seeing all the actresses “glammed-up” with their dresses and accessories. Then I thought, “hey, I’ve always had a creative mind.” I wondered what it would be like to design for my favorite actresses who win Oscars for roles that they’ve played.

As a part of producing the 34th annual fashion show, Fata Morgana, I serve as part of the Back of the House Committee. My job is to make sure that all of the dressing rooms are set up the Friday before the show. The next thing we must do is make sure that all models are getting their hair and makeup done by ten A.M. on Saturday, April 25th. Next, we must make sure we know the scene lineup in order, and make sure before Show Time that no models have gum in their mouths, because in the world of modeling, it’s unprofessional. Being a part of back of the house is very important because we take care of the things people don’t see to ensure that this fashion show is planned accordingly and people have a fun and enjoyable experience.

Designer, Candace Cooper, and Coordinator, Ariana Sneed, during the Ethereal Fashion Show

Designer, Candace Cooper, and Coordinator, Ariana Sneed, during the Ethereal Fashion Show

I had the pleasure last year to intern for the best scene of the 33rd annual fashion show Ethereal. The scene name was called ÉCLAT XXIIV and the head designer was GCC superstar Candace Cooper and coordinator Ariana Sneed. Interning for that scene gave me a lot of experience to see what it was like first-hand to produce a college level fashion show. The day of the show I did whatever Candace or Ariana needed me to do because I knew how important the show was to Candace and how much work she had put into her scene. I remember that she was in the sewing room day and night working on her pieces, and I could understand why it was so important.

My next role in producing this year’s fashion show, Fata Morgana, is being on an interning team for Da-vid Simmons. Her scene is called Inevitable, which means certain to happen or unavoidable. The garments featured will be merchandised women’s clubwear clothing. My roles as far as helping DJ is to help her with whatever she needs the day of the show and to assist during rehearsals as well. When it comes time for the show I’m going to make sure that Inevitable truly is one of the best scenes because I have the pleasure of being friends with the head coordinator Da-vid and I know how important the success of this scene is to her.

Fashion to me is everything. It’s the career I want to have and pursue. Fashion is about being trendy but having the ability to have your own style too, which I think is important for everyone to have. I know that once we (the whole production class) take our bow we will know that we helped in making the 34th annual fashion show a huge success and weights will be lifted off of our shoulders.

My future plans after GCC involve transferring to Buffalo State in order to study Fashion merchandising. In the summer I plan to develop scene ideas to present and hopefully get the chance to produce one for the 2016 Buffalo State fashion show.

This blog was contributed by Fashion Student Patrick Szpylman.